Izod Center hosts its last act, New Jersey arena closing

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey's Izod Center has hosted its last act after 34 years.

The sports and entertainment arena, which opened in 1981, closed Sunday after the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus concluded its run.

The end began when the Prudential Arena opened seven years ago and the Nets and Devils decided to play in Newark.

It was an emotional day for the Izod Center's 1,700 workers.

Veronica Jackson of Jersey City started as an usher in 1981 when Bruce Springsteen and his E Street Band opened the arena. She tells The Record (http://bit.ly/1EC8T3U ) newspaper it is "like part of you is dying."

The state Sports and Exposition Authority decided to close the arena because it is projected to lose $8 million this year.